Interspecific tree named `Emerald Blush&#39;

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of interspecific tree. The following features of the tree and its fruit are characterized with the tree budded on ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (non-patented), grown on Handford sandy loam soil with Storie Index rating 95, in USDA Hardiness Zone 9, near Modesto, Calif., with standard commercial fruit growing practices, such as pruning, thinning, spraying, irrigation and fertilization. Its novelty consist of the following combination of desirable features:
         1. Tree with vigorous, upright growth.   2. Tree being a regular and productive bearer of medium size fruit.   3. Fruit with very good flavor and eating quality.   4. Fruit with an attractive green/yellow skin color.   5. Fruit with good storage and shipping qualities.

BOTANICAL DESIGNATION

Interspecific Prunus species

VARIETY DENOMINATION

‘Emerald Blush’

BACKGROUND OF THE VARIETY Field of the Invention

In the field of plant genetics, we conduct an extensive and continuing plant-breeding program including the organization and asexual reproduction of orchard trees, and of which plums, peaches, nectarines, apricots, cherries, almonds and interspecifics are exemplary. It was against this background of our activities that the present variety of interspecific tree was originated and asexually reproduced by us in our experimental orchard located near Modesto, Stanislaus County, Calif.

PRIOR VARIETIES

Among the existing varieties of interspecific trees, which are known to us, and mentioned herein, ‘Amigo I’ Interspecific (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 20,165), our non-patented proprietary interspecific seedlings ‘53LG662’, ‘46GK97’, ‘150LB26’, ‘71GC117’, ‘150LB5’ and ‘14GD84’.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

The new and distinct variety of interspecific tree consists of the combination of Prunus salicina and Prunus persica. It was originated by us in our experimental orchard located near Modesto, Calif. as a first generation cross between our proprietary non-patented interspecific seedling selections ‘53LG662’ and ‘46GK97’. The non-patented interspecific seed parent (53LG662) originated from a cross between our proprietary non-patented interspecific seedling selections with the field identification numbers ‘150LB26’ and ‘71GC117’. The non-patented interspecific pollen parent (46GK97) originated from a cross between our proprietary non-patented interspecific seedling selections ‘150LB5’ and ‘14GD84’. A large number of these first generation seedlings were planted and maintained on their own root system and under close and careful observation the present seedling exhibited desirable fruit and tree characteristics and was selected in 2001 for additional asexual propagation and commercialization.

ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION OF THE VARIETY

In 2001 asexual reproduction of the new and distinct variety of interspecific tree was by budding to ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (non-patented), as performed by us in our experimental orchard located near Modesto, Calif., and shows that reproductions run true to the original tree and all characteristics of the tree and its fruit are established and transmitted through succeeding asexual propagations.

SUMMARY OF THE NEW VARIETY

The present new and distinct interspecific variety which includes [Plum×Plum Peach]×[Plum×Plum Peach] is of large size, vigorous, upright growth and a regular and productive bearer of medium size fruit with very good flavor and eating quality. The fruit is further characterized by its firm, yellow flesh, attractive green/yellow skin color and having good storage and shipping qualities. In comparison to its non-patented interspecific seed parent ‘53LG662’ the tree of the new variety sets more fruit and the fruit has green/yellow skin compared to red. In comparison to its non-patented interspecific pollen parent ‘46GK97’ the fruit of the new variety is approximately 20 days earlier in maturity. In comparison to the commercial variety ‘Amigo I’ Interspecific (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 20,165) the fruit of the new variety has a green/yellow skin color compared to red.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPH

The accompanying color photographic illustration shows typical specimens of the foliage and fruit of the present new interspecific variety. The illustration shows the upper and lower surface of the leaves, an exterior and sectional view of a single fruit divided in its suture plane to show flesh color, pit cavity and the stone remaining in place. The photographic illustration was taken shortly after being picked (shipping ripe) from a 13 year old tree and the colors are as nearly true as is reasonably possible in a color representation of this type.

DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIETY

The following is a detailed botanical description of the new variety of interspecific tree, its flowers, foliage and fruit, as based on observations of 13 year old specimens grown near Modesto, Calif., with color in accordance with Munsell Book of Color published in 1958.

-   Tree:     -   -   Size.—Large, usually pruned to 3 to 3.5 meters in height and             width for economical harvesting of fruit. Size varies with             different cultural practices.         -   Vigor.—Vigorous, growth of 1.5 to 2 meters the first growing             season. Varies with soil type, fertility of soil and             climatic conditions.         -   Form.—Upright, usually pruned to vase shape.         -   Branching habit.—Upright growth, crotch angle approximately             35°, increases with heavy crop load.         -   Productivity.—Productive, thinning and spacing of fruit             necessary for desired marketable size. Fruit set varies with             climatic conditions during bloom time.         -   Bearer.—Regular, has had adequate fruit set 11 consecutive             years. No alternate bearing observed.         -   Fertility.—Self sterile, pollinator required.         -   Density.—Medium dense, usually pruned to vase shape to             increase air movement and sunlight to enhance fruit color             and health of fruit spurs.         -   Hardiness.—Hardy in all stone fruit growing areas of             California. Tree grown in USDA Hardiness Zone 9. Winter             chilling requirement approximately 400 hours at or below 45°             F. -   Trunk:     -   -   Size.—Medium. Average circumference 47.8 cm at 22.9 cm above             ground on a 13 year old tree.         -   Stocky.—Medium stocky.         -   Texture.—Medium shaggy, roughness increases with age.         -   Color.—Varies from 10YR 4/2 to 5Y 3/2. -   Branches:     -   -   Size.—Medium. Average circumference 7.9 cm at 1.2 meters             above ground. Crotch angle approximately 35°, increases with             heavy crop load.         -   Surface texture.—New growth relatively smooth. Mature growth             medium rough, roughness increases with age.         -   Lenticels.—Average number 24 in a 25.8 square cm area.             Average length 3.1 mm. Average width 1.2 mm. Color 7.5YR             5/10.         -   Color.—New growth 5GY 5/8. Mature growth varies from 2.5Y             3/4 to 2.5Y 2/2, varies with age of growth. -   Leaves:     -   -   Size.—Medium. Average length 103.8 mm. Average width 49.6             mm.         -   Form.—Oblanceolate.         -   Apex.—Acuminate.         -   Base.—Cuneate.         -   Margin.—Doubly serrate.         -   Thickness.—Medium.         -   Surface texture.—Upper surface relatively smooth, slight             indentations over midrib and leaf veins. Lower surface             relatively smooth, except for small ridges created by midrib             and pinnate venation. Both upper and lower surfaces             glabrous.         -   Petiole.—Large. Average length 15.8 mm. Average width             2.0 mm. Longitudinally grooved. Surface — glabrous. Color             varies from 5GY 4/6 to 1OR 2/4.         -   Glands.—Type — globose. Size — small to medium. Average             length 1.2 mm. Average diameter 0.8 mm. Number varies from 2             to 7, average number 4. Located primarily on the base of             leaf blade and the upper portion of the petiole. Color 5GY             6/6.         -   Stipules.—Average number 2. Average length 10.9 mm. Edges —             pectinate. Color 5GY 6/8.         -   Color.—Upper surface varies from 5GY 3/2 to 7.5GY 2/4. Lower             surface varies from 5GY 3/2 to 7.5GY 3/2. Midvein color 5GY             6/4. -   Flower buds:     -   -   Size.—Small to medium. Average length 9.3 mm. Average             diameter 5.3 mm.         -   Hardiness.—Hardy with respect to California winters.         -   Density.—Very dense.         -   Form.—Conical, becoming elongated just before opening.         -   Pedicel.—Size — medium to large. Average length 9.0 mm.             Average width 0.8 mm. Color varies from 2.5GY 6/6 to 5Gy             7/6. Surface — glabrous.         -   Color.—N 9.5/ (white).         -   Number of buds per spur.—Average 12, varies from 8 to 20. -   Flowers:     -   -   Blooming period.—Date of First Bloom Feb. 10, 2014. Date of             Petal Fall Feb. 20, 2014, varies slightly with climatic             conditions.         -   Size.—Medium. Average height 10.8 mm. Average diameter 23.3             mm.         -   Petals.—Normally 5, alternately arranged to sepals. Size —             medium. Average length 11.0 mm. Average width 7.1 mm. Form —             elliptical. Margin — entire. Arrangement free. Petal apex —             rounded. Petal base — truncated. Color N 9.5/(white). Both             upper and lower surfaces glabrous.         -   Sepals.—Normally 5, alternately arranged to petals. Size —             small to medium. Average length 4.1 mm. Average width             2.4 mm. Shape — triangular. Margin — entire. Sepal apex —             rounded to triangular. Both upper and lower surfaces             glabrous. Color — upper surface varies from 2.5GY 7/6 to 5GY             7/8. Lower surface varies from 2.5GY 7/6 to 5GY 7/8.         -   Stamens.—Average number per flower 31. Average filament             length 7.8 mm. On average the height of the stamens are             above the height of the petals. Filament color N             9.5/(white). Anther color varies from 1OR 5/10 to 10R 4/12.         -   Pollen.—Self sterile, pollinator required. Color varies from             5Y 8/10 to 5Y 7/10.         -   Pistil.—Number — normally one. Surface — glabrous. Average             length 8.1 mm. Position of stigma an average of 1.1 mm below             anthers. Color varies from 10Y 8/6 to 2.5GY 8/6.         -   Fragrance.—Moderate.         -   Color.—N 9.5/(white).         -   Pedicel.—Average length 9.0 mm. Average width 0.9 mm. Color             varies from 2.5GY 7/6 to 2.5GY 7/8. Surface glabrous.         -   Number of flowers per flower bud.—Average 3, varies from 1             to 4. -   Fruit:     -   -   Maturity when described.—Firm ripe and ready for             consumption.         -   Date of first picking.—Jul. 16, 2014.         -   Date of last picking.—Jul. 26, 2014, varies slightly with             climatic conditions.         -   Size.—Medium. Average diameter axially 50.3 mm. Average             transversely in suture plane 57.1 mm. Average weight 102.2             grams, varies slightly with fertility of the soil, amount of             thinning and climatic conditions.         -   Form.—Globose.         -   Suture.—Nearly smooth.         -   Ventral surface.—Nearly smooth.         -   Apex.—Rounded.         -   Base.—Flat.         -   Stem cavity.—Rounded to slightly elongated in suture plane.             Average depth 4.3 mm. Average diameter 5.9 mm. -   Stem:     -   -   Size.—Small to medium. Average length 14.4 mm. Average             diameter 2.1 mm.         -   Color.—Varies from 10Y 7/6 to 2.5GY 6/6. -   Flesh:     -   -   Ripens.—Evenly.         -   Texture.—Firm to slightly soft.         -   Fibers.—Few, small, tender.         -   Firmness.—Firm, comparable to other commercial interspecific             varieties.         -   Aroma.—Slight.         -   Amydgalin.—Undetected.         -   Eating quality.—Very good.         -   Flavor.—Very good, good balance between acid and sugar.         -   Juice.—Heavy amount, enhances flavor.         -   Acidity.—Not available.         -   Brix.—Average Brix 18.3°, varies slightly with amount of             fruit per tree and climatic conditions.         -   Color.—Varies from 7.5Y 7/4 to 7.5Y 8/4.         -   Pit cavity.—Average length 22.4 mm. Average width 18.4 mm.             Average depth 5.4 mm. Color varies from 5Y 6/6 to 2.5Y 6/6. -   Skin:     -   -   Thickness.—Medium.         -   Surface.—Smooth.         -   Bloom.—Moderate amount, complete coverage.         -   Tendency to crack.—None.         -   Color.—Ground color varies from 10Y 6/8 to 2.5GY 4/6.             Partially overspread with 7.5R 3/8 to 10Y 7/8.         -   Tenacity.—Tenacious to flesh.         -   Astringency.—Undetected. -   Stone:     -   -   Type.—Clingstone, medium adherence to flesh.         -   Size.—Small to medium. Average length 21.8 mm. Average width             17.4 mm. Average thickness 10.0 mm.         -   Form.—Ovoid.         -   Base.—Flat.         -   Apex.—Slightly pointed. Average length 1.0 mm.         -   Surface.—Slightly pitted throughout. One shallow groove on             each side of suture extending from base toward apex.         -   Sides.—Unequal, one side extending further outward from             suture plane.         -   Ridges.—Very narrow, small ridge near groove on each side of             suture.         -   Tendency to split.—None.         -   Color.—7.5YR 5/6 when dry. -   Kernel:     -   -   Size.—Small. Average length 13.3 mm. Average width 10.2 mm.             Average depth 5.7 mm.         -   Form.—Ovoid.         -   Viability.—Viable, complete embryo development.         -   Skin color.—Varies from 10Y 9/4 to 7.5Y 9/4. -   Use:     -   -   Dessert.—Market — local and long distance. -   Keeping quality: Good, held firm in cold storage 3 weeks at 38° to     42° F. without internal breakdown of flesh or appreciable loss of     flavor. -   Shipping quality: Good, showed minimal skin scarring or flesh     bruising during picking, packing and shipping trials. -   Plant/fruit disease resistance/susceptibility: No specific testing     for relative plant/fruit disease resistance/susceptibility has been     designed. Under close observation during planting, growing, and     harvesting of fruit, under normal cultural and growing conditions     near Modesto, Calif., no particular plant/fruit disease resistance     or susceptibility has been observed. Any variety or selection     observed during indexing of plant characteristics with abnormal     fungus, bacterial, virus or insect susceptibility is destroyed and     eliminated from our breeding program. No atypical     resistances/susceptibilities have been noted under normal cultural     practices. The present new variety of interspecific tree, its     flowers, foliage and fruit herein described may vary in slight     detail due to climate, soil conditions and cultural practices under     which the variety may be grown. The present description is that of     the variety grown under the ecological conditions prevailing near     Modesto, Calif. 

1. A new and distinct variety of interspecific tree, substantially as illustrated and described. 